THE PRACTICE OF UNIVERSAL PRECAUTION BY HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS POST EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE EPIDEMIC: A SURVEY AT A PRIVATE PRIMARY HOSPITAL IN GHANA
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.71396/mwg3ch53Mots-clés :
Ebola, universal precautions, epidemic, healthcare providers, infectionsRésumé
Background: In 2014, the global health community was shaken by the largest recorded Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) epidemic in West Africa, underscoring the urgent need for rigorous adherence to universal precautions in healthcare settings. By January 2015, over 8,000 deaths had been reported from 21,121 cases. In response, the WHO and CDC issued interim guidelines on infection prevention.
Objective: To evaluate the preparedness of healthcare workers and the risk of infection transmission at a primary hospital in Ghana post-EVD outbreak.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2014 to May 2015 among 40 randomly selected clinical healthcare workers at a primary hospital in Ghana. Structured questionnaires and interviews assessed demographics, knowledge, and adherence to universal precautions before and after the EVD outbreak. Data were analyzed using SPSS v16, with descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, paired t-tests, and confidence intervals calculated to determine statistical significance.
Results: Among respondents, 52.5% had in-depth knowledge of universal precautions. Handwashing practices improved from 50% pre-outbreak to 62.5% post-outbreak (p = 0.021). Glove use rose from 30% to 45% (p = 0.036), and facemask use increased from 20% to 32.5% (p = 0.041). PPE usage remained low, improving from 5% to 10%. Correlation coefficients showed a strong positive relationship in practice adherence pre- vs. post-outbreak (r = 0.983 always, r = 0.984 occasionally; p < 0.001). 75% of participants rated institutional preparedness as unsatisfactory.
Conclusion: Despite modest improvements post-EVD, healthcare workers remained moderately unprepared. Findings emphasize the need for institutional reforms, policy enforcement, and regular PPE training to enhance infection control practices.
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